Set after the First Punic War (264–241 bce), Salammbô is the story of the siege of Carthage in 240–237 bce by mercenaries who had not been paid for their help in fighting the Romans. It is also the story of the love of Mathô, one of the mercenaries, for Salammbô, the daughter of Hamilcar, chief magistrate of Carthage, and priestess of the city’s moon goddess.